In The Name of Jesus

“Let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” – Acts  4:10

Have you ever wondered why the world is afraid of the name “Jesus”?  Have you been afraid to use that name?  What is the significance of that name?

During biblical times names were not given by happenstance but very purposely. Names were carefully chosen to mean something and to reflect the destiny of the person who was being named.  This is why on many occasions in the Bible when God called certain individuals to serve Him, He changed their names.  Their new names reflected their destiny.  Whenever their names were called their destinies and purposes were being spoken.  This was the case for the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  His name not just carried His destiny but carried the power to manifest His promises.  This is why Jesus made the statement in John 14:13-14, “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it”.

Names not only carry destiny and purpose but they can also be used as a pass to be granted something.  Think about the time when you went somewhere and got access just because you used someone’s name.  For instance, if you go to Douala, Cameroon, the city where my mother is mayor, and need special government favor, all you need is a note with her name to get access to most public officials or government services.  There is power in a name.  If an earthly leader’s name can carry such power imagine the name of the Son of God Himself; King Jesus.

Biblical Entrepreneurs must understand the power behind the name of Jesus and how to use that name to overcome the works of the enemy and appropriate His will in their lives.  If your business is to transform individuals and communities it must be done in the name of Jesus.  Here is just some of what the Scripture says about the name of Jesus:

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” Matthew 18:20.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become Children of God, to those who believe in His name.”  John 1:12

“And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know.  Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.” Acts 3:16

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  Acts 4:12

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, given thanks to God the father through Him.”

Colossians 3:17

No wonder the world wants to stop us from using that Name.  Have you noticed that you can say Allah, Buddha, God, and Creator but don’t you dare use the name of Jesus?  His name has almost become a curse word in some settings.  This is because there is power in that name, there is favor in that name, there is eternity in that name, there is anointing in that name, there is grace and favor in that name.  At the sound of that name devils tremble, hell shakes, heaven responds and God moves.   That name gives you access to God and the promises of Jesus.

Unfortunately some of us have yielded to the pressures of the world and have limited the use of that name or stopped using it altogether.  This is a grave mistake because just like my mother’s name is important in the city of Douala, Cameroon to gain political favors, Jesus’ name is essential in the market place to get God’s favor. When asked to stop using that name here is how Peter and John responded, “…Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard”  Acts 4:19-20.

My prayer for you today is that God will give you the boldness to proclaim the name of Christ this Christmas season in your family, your business and the community you serve.